Tennessee House Bill HR0045

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/27/23
• Enrolled: 3/30/23
• Passed: 3/30/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION recognizing the Natchez Trace Bridge Barrier Coalition.

Impact

The resolution underscores the urgent need for increased public awareness and preventive measures regarding suicide, especially concerning high-risk locations such as the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. The coalition's efforts focus on the implementation of protective barriers or netting along the bridge to mitigate the risk of fatalities. Moreover, the resolution calls attention to the ongoing discussions with the National Park Service, which is responsible for the bridge's safety design and has engaged external engineering support to ensure any proposed barriers meet structural requirements.

Summary

House Resolution 45, introduced by Representative Bulso, recognizes the Natchez Trace Bridge Barrier Coalition for their efforts in advocating for safety measures on the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. This recognition is particularly poignant given the alarming statistics surrounding suicide in Tennessee, where more than 1,000 lives are lost each year, and numerous attempts are made. The resolution highlights the tragic loss of lives at the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge, where at least forty-two individuals have died after falling from the bridge due to its insufficient railing height.

Contention

While the resolution does not directly propose any legislative changes, it does indicate ongoing community efforts to push for tangible safety improvements at the bridge. The addition of a temporary chain link fence with barbed wire was a response to the rising concerns but only serves as a temporary measure. The bill raises important discussions around mental health, community responsibility, and the role of state and federal agencies in addressing public safety concerns related to suicide prevention.